Marie Deforche, born and raised in the vibrant region of Provence, has always been enveloped by the Mediterranean sun and sea. However, it took years for her to recognise these elements as her primary sources of artistic inspiration. Her journey in art began early, with a passion for drawing and painting that intensified in her late teens and early twenties. For a long time, she experimented with various styles and techniques, searching for that elusive moment of perfect communion with her art.
Another significant source of inspiration for Marie was the work of Slim Aarons, a renowned American photographer who captured the glamorous world of the Hollywood elite. Aarons' photography is characterised by vivid colours, a masterful interplay of light and shadow, and sun-soaked scenes that evoke warmth and brightness. These elements deeply resonated with her and led her to realise that summer, with its scorching heat and leisurely days in Provence, was her true muse.
Marie's artistic journey led her to paint her summers in Provence, where the intense light orchestrates a mesmerizing play of shadows, and the colours are so vibrant they almost seem to be crushed by the sunlight. Her canvases offer moments of pause and tranquillity, akin to Aarons' photographs, but with a distinctive emphasis on women.
These women, often portrayed from behind in serene solitude, are bathed in the sun's warmth, their privacy respected as their faces remain hidden. This unique perspective evokes a sense of peace and contemplation, a respite from the bustle of everyday life.
Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of Provence, the Mediterranean light, and the nostalgic allure of the 1950s to 1980s as captured by Aarons, Marie’s paintings are vibrant expressions of the present moment. The play of light and shadow, combined with warm, muted colours, brings depth and serenity to her work. Each piece is a window into a world of warmth and calm, where the sun always shines.